Sky’s the Limit: Ras Al Khaimah to Elevate Tourism with Electric Air Mobility Across the Emirate
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) for electric air taxi services. Skyports will develop vertiports across Ras Al Khaimah.
RAKTA, RAKTDA, and Skyports will jointly design, develop, and operate Ras Al Khaimah’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi ecosystem, with commercial operations set to commence by 2027.
Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure will integrate with RAKTA’s transport network, offering zero-emission transport to popular areas like Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, cutting travel time significantly.
“Together, we’re shaping a brighter, greener future for Ras Al Khaimah”
E Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTA
For example, travelling from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais takes approximately 70 minutes by car. The launch of air taxi services will cut the journey time to less than 20 minutes.
The project aims to drive 3.5 million visitors annually in Ras Al Khaimah by 2030, supporting environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Skyports prioritises integration with public transit networks, addressing carbon emissions in ground transportation and opening opportunities for UAE-wide air taxi networks.
“In the next two years, we aim to build the infrastructure and facilities for an electric-powered transit system that will redefine the way tourists experience Ras Al Khaimah”
H.E Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
H.E Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTA added: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revolutionise transportation in Ras Al Khaimah. By introducing electric air mobility, we’re not just connecting tourists to our attractions, we’re forging a sustainable path forward for our Emirate. This innovative project aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing accessibility while minimising our environmental impact. Together, we’re shaping a brighter, greener future for Ras Al Khaimah.”
H.E Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, sharing, “The support we’ve received from the UAE government and Ras Al Khaimah authorities has been phenomenal, enabling us to innovate at an unprecedented scale and pace. In the next two years, we aim to build the infrastructure and facilities for an electric-powered transit system that will redefine the way tourists experience Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration also perfectly aligns with our commitment to sustainable tourism. By introducing electric air mobility, we not only enhance accessibility to Ras Al Khaimah’s attractions but also significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This initiative drives us closer to our goal of establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025.”
Duncan Walker, CEO and founder of Skyports, commented: “We are eager to join forces with the leading transport and tourism organisations in Ras Al Khaimah to launch electric air taxi services in the Emirate. This collaboration further underscores our commitment to providing the essential enabling infrastructure for zero-emission aviation across the UAE. We look forward to contributing our expertise to realise Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious transport and tourism goals.”
